Mlitt Theatre & Performance Practices

Program Overview

The MLitt in Theatre and Performance Practices at the University of Glasgow offers an immersive learning experience that blends practical performance training with academic research. Students are introduced to the evolving history and development of theatre, along with contemporary approaches to performance. The program encourages critical analysis and provides students with an understanding of the complexities of performance, from conceptualization to realization. By engaging in collaborative work, students will develop the artistic and intellectual skills needed to contribute meaningfully to contemporary performance discourse. The program emphasizes innovation, exploration, and the creation of original performance work, while encouraging a reflective and scholarly approach to the field.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MLitt in Theatre and Performance Practices focuses on both theoretical study and practical performance work. Core modules cover a range of topics, including performance theory, contemporary theatre practices, and critical perspectives on performance genres. Students will study the work of influential theatre practitioners, contemporary performance movements, and the role of performance in addressing key social, political, and cultural themes. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for practical engagement with theatre-making processes, including scriptwriting, directing, and physical theatre. Elective modules allow students to specialize in particular areas such as experimental theatre, community performance, or performance and digital media. A key component of the curriculum is the final performance project, in which students are required to conceptualize and create a live performance or performance-based research project.

Research Focus: The research focus of the MLitt in Theatre and Performance Practices is rooted in the exploration of contemporary performance theory, practice, and the relationship between performance and society. Students will engage with key issues in performance, such as social justice, identity, cultural representation, and performance in the digital age. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, with opportunities for students to work across a variety of artistic forms, including theatre, dance, performance art, and live installations. Research topics are broad and include areas such as theoretical foundations of performance, ethnography in performance, new writing for the stage, and the politics of performance. Students are also encouraged to develop their own research agendas, leading to innovative projects that contribute to the field of performance studies.

Industry Engagement: The MLitt in Theatre and Performance Practices places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, offering students numerous opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. The University of Glasgow has established strong links with leading theatres, performance venues, and arts organizations, both in the UK and internationally. Students can engage in work placements, industry internships, and collaborative projects that allow them to gain hands-on experience in production, direction, performance, and arts administration. The program also hosts regular guest lectures, masterclasses, and workshops with practitioners, directors, and scholars in the theatre industry. These interactions offer invaluable networking opportunities and provide students with insights into current trends and practices within the theatre world.

Global Perspective: The MLitt in Theatre and Performance Practices at the University of Glasgow offers a global perspective on contemporary performance, drawing on international practices and scholarship. The program explores a range of theatre traditions and performance practices from different parts of the world, fostering an appreciation for the diversity of cultural expressions and theatrical forms. Students will engage with global issues, such as migration, human rights, cultural identity, and global political movements, through performance. The University’s strong international ties and partnerships with universities and theatre institutions around the world also provide students with opportunities to study abroad or participate in international performance festivals. This global outlook ensures that students are prepared to engage with the international theatre community and contribute to global conversations through their work.